Before television sets occupied prime territory in virtually every living room in America, families frequently turned to the movie theaters for an entire evening of entertainment. They didn't go expecting to see only a single movie, as is usual today. They typically saw double features, an A feature (90 minutes or longer) backed by a modestly-budgeted B movie (50 to 80 minutes in length). In addition, the audience was usually treated to cartoons and one or more shorts (as well as newreels and maybe even a serial episode).